ev-battery
Battery Junction Box
for 2023 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Expert
Time
5.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
18
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
Procedure for removing and replacing the Battery Junction Box on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, which manages high-voltage battery distribution and requires complete HV system isolation.
Warnings
⚠️High-voltage system contains up to 800V DC and can cause severe injury or death. Only qualified HV technicians should perform this procedure.
⚠️Wait minimum 15 minutes after HV disconnect before accessing Battery Junction Box to allow capacitor discharge.
⚠️Verify zero voltage with HV multimeter at all connection points before touching any components.
⚠Battery pack weight distribution changes during disassembly. Ensure vehicle is on stable, level surface with wheel chocks.
⚠ESD (electrostatic discharge) precautions required. Wear grounding strap when handling electronic components.
Tools required
High-voltage safety gloves (Class 0, 1000V rated)Essential
High-voltage multimeterEssential
Insulated hand tool setEssential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Rivian diagnostic software and VCM accessEssential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Trim panel removal tools
Wire brush (non-conductive)
Dielectric grease applicator
Cable management zip ties
Parts
- Battery Junction Box assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- High-voltage connector seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
- Junction box mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
- HV interlock connector × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks at all four wheels
- Ensure vehicle has been off for minimum 10 minutes before beginning procedure
- Don high-voltage safety equipment including Class 0 gloves and face shield
- Connect Rivian diagnostic software to vehicle and document any stored DTCs
- Access underbody by raising vehicle on lift to comfortable working height
- Remove belly pan and underbody protective panels to access battery pack area
- Locate Battery Junction Box on forward section of battery pack assembly
- Photograph all cable routing and connections before disassembly for reference
Procedure
- 1Disable high-voltage systemUsing Rivian diagnostic software, command the vehicle into Service Mode to open all HV contactors. Verify Service Mode is active on instrument cluster display. Confirm all propulsion and charging functions are disabled.
- 2Disconnect 12V batteryOpen frunk and disconnect negative terminal of 12V auxiliary battery. Wait 2 minutes for all modules to power down completely. Isolate negative cable to prevent reconnection during service.
- 3Remove HV service disconnectLocate HV service disconnect plug on top of battery pack near driver side. Pull service disconnect handle upward and rotate counterclockwise to remove. Store disconnect plug in secure location away from work area. Wait mandatory 15 minutes for HV capacitor discharge.
- 4Verify zero voltageUsing calibrated HV multimeter, test for voltage at Battery Junction Box main terminals. Verify reading is 0V DC between positive and negative bus bars. Test between each HV terminal and vehicle ground. Document all voltage readings below 5V DC before proceeding.
- 5Disconnect HV interlock circuitLocate orange HV interlock connector on Battery Junction Box cover. Depress locking tab and carefully disconnect interlock plug. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. Set connector aside with protective cover in place.
- 6Remove low-voltage connectionsDisconnect all 12V control harness connectors from Battery Junction Box. These include battery management system communications, temperature sensors, and contactor control circuits. Label each connector with tape for reassembly identification.
- 7Remove junction box coverRemove fasteners securing aluminum cover over Battery Junction Box using appropriate socket. Lift cover carefully and inspect internal gasket condition. Check for any signs of moisture intrusion, corrosion, or thermal damage on internal components.
- 8Disconnect main HV bus barsUsing insulated tools, remove bus bar mounting bolts connecting Battery Junction Box to pack positive and negative terminals. Work on one connection at a time. Place insulating barriers over exposed terminals immediately after disconnection. Note orientation and position of each bus bar connection.
- 9Disconnect individual cell module connectionsRemove HV cable connections from junction box to individual battery modules. Each connection has spring-loaded safety locks that must be depressed before removal. Support cable weight during disconnection to prevent strain on terminals. Cap all exposed HV terminals with insulating covers.
- 10Remove coolant line connectionsThe Battery Junction Box has integrated cooling passages. Disconnect coolant quick-connect fittings at inlet and outlet ports. Have drain pan ready as residual EV Battery/Motor Coolant will drain from lines. Plug coolant ports to prevent contamination.
- 11Remove junction box mounting fastenersRemove all mounting bolts securing Battery Junction Box to battery pack housing. These typically include perimeter mounting points and central support brackets. Note different bolt lengths and positions for proper reassembly sequence.
- 12Extract Battery Junction BoxCarefully lift Battery Junction Box assembly from battery pack. Unit weighs approximately 25-30 lbs. Ensure all electrical connections and coolant lines are fully disconnected before lifting. Place removed junction box on clean, non-conductive surface for inspection or replacement.
- 13Prepare mounting surfaceClean battery pack mounting surface where junction box seats using non-conductive brush. Remove any debris, old gasket material, or corrosion. Inspect mounting bosses for thread damage. Apply thin coat of dielectric grease to mounting points to prevent galvanic corrosion.
- 14Install new Battery Junction BoxPosition new or replacement Battery Junction Box into battery pack cavity, aligning mounting holes and coolant port locations. Ensure junction box thermal interface pad makes proper contact with pack cooling surface. Install mounting fasteners hand-tight initially, then torque in star pattern to ensure even seating.
- 15Reconnect coolant linesConnect coolant supply and return lines to junction box ports. Push quick-connect fittings until audible click is heard. Verify connection security by pulling on lines. Wipe any spilled coolant from surrounding components.
- 16Reconnect HV connectionsReconnect all HV cables and bus bars to Battery Junction Box in reverse order of removal. Apply anti-oxidant compound to all copper contact surfaces before connection. Torque all HV terminal fasteners per service specifications. Verify each connection is tight and properly seated with no visible gaps.
- 17Install junction box coverInstall new gasket on junction box cover if required. Position cover over junction box and install fasteners. Torque cover bolts in cross pattern to ensure even gasket compression and proper seal against moisture intrusion.
- 18Reconnect control circuitsReconnect all 12V control harness connectors to Battery Junction Box following labels from disassembly. Ensure each connector locks securely with audible click. Reconnect HV interlock circuit connector last, verifying proper pin alignment.
Reassembly
- Reinstall all underbody protective panels and belly pan removed during access
- Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
- Reinstall HV service disconnect plug - rotate clockwise until fully seated and locked
- Using diagnostic software, exit Service Mode and command HV system to ready state
- Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and no tools remain in work area
- Check that all HV covers and protective barriers are properly installed
Verification
- Using Rivian diagnostic software, verify Battery Junction Box communication on vehicle network without fault codes
- Confirm HV system voltage matches expected pack voltage (typically 350-420V depending on state of charge)
- Perform HV isolation test using diagnostic software - verify isolation resistance exceeds 500 ohms/volt minimum threshold
- Check for any coolant leaks at junction box connections with system pressurized
- Verify all HV interlock circuit integrity - should show proper continuity when connected
- Test drive vehicle to confirm normal propulsion operation and charging capability
- Monitor battery temperatures during initial operation to verify proper cooling function
- Verify no new DTCs are present after repair completion and test drive